Our Black Cardamom is a highly valued spice due to its strong aroma, spicy taste, and medicinal properties. The plant thrives in cold and humid conditions under the canopy of ancient forests, making Lao Cai in Vietnam an ideal place for its growth. Lao Cai produces some of the world's top-quality cardamom, with about 20,000 hectares of land dedicated to its cultivation and an annual output of 5,000 tons. The spice has become a significant source of income for the local people, particularly ethnic minorities, improving their lives and providing better opportunities for their children. Therefore, it can be considered as a natural "gift" to Lao Cai. Cardamom from this region is highly appreciated by international culinary experts and has been exported to many countries worldwide. Black cardamom, also known as caoguo, is a spice used in Chinese cooking that provides a fragrant aroma to flavor master sauces in many Chinese braised dishes as well as infused oils. Unlike green cardamom, black cardamom is not well-suited for sweets and desserts but instead makes a great addition to savory dishes, especially slow-simmered soups, braised meat recipes, and even stir-fries. Black cardamom is native to the Eastern Himalayas and is cultivated at high altitudes in a region spanning from Eastern Nepal to Yunnan Province in China. The pods are dried over open flames before harvesting, giving the outer husk a wrinkled leathery texture and the dark brown seeds inside a unique flavor that is smoky, peppery, and warm. When using black cardamom, it is best to use the “less is more” approach, as it can quickly overpower other flavors in a dish. Whole pods can be found at Chinese and Indian grocery stores and online, and will last for about three years when stored in a tightly-sealed container away from light and moisture. Ground tsaoko powder will start to lose much of its aroma and flavor within a year.DELICIOUS IN PUMPKIN SOUP: Black cardamom pods are an excellent ingredient to add to pumpkin soup, where they can add a warm and spicy note to the dish. Simply crush a few pods and add them to the soup while it is cooking, along with other spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The resulting soup will have a complex and aromatic flavor that is sure to impress your dinner guests. PERFECT FOR BBQ RUBS: Black cardamom pods are a great addition to BBQ rubs, where their smoky and resinous fragrance can add depth and complexity to the rub. Crushed pods can be mixed with other spices, such as cumin, coriander, and chili powder, to create a delicious rub that can be used on meats like pork, chicken, or beef. The smoky and earthy notes of the pods work especially well with slow-cooked meats, infusing them with a rich and aromatic flavor. GREAT FOR INFUSED OILS: Black cardamom pods are an excellent ingredient for making infused oils, adding their unique smoky and earthy flavor to the oil. To make black cardamom infused oil, add crushed or whole pods to a bottle of neutral oil, such as vegetable or grapeseed oil, and let it sit for several days. The resulting oil can be used to add a delicious and aromatic note to salads, vegetables, or grilled meats. PERFECT FOR BRAISING: Our pods complement the rich and savory flavors of meats and vegetables, making them a popular ingredient in braised dishes. Add crushed pods to your braising liquid with garlic, onions, and herbs for a deep and complex flavor. Black cardamom pods can be used in beef or lamb dishes, or in vegetarian stews with root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. With their smoky and earthy notes, black cardamom pods are an excellent addition to any braised dish. DELICIOUS IN RICE DISHES: Black cardamom pods are a popular ingredient in many rice dishes, particularly those of Indian and Middle Eastern origin. When added to rice, the pods infuse the dish with a warm and spicy flavor, adding depth and complexity to the dish. You can add black cardamom pods to your rice cooker or pot, along with other spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, to create a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that pairs well with curries or roasted meats. PERFECT FOR MARINADES: Black cardamom pods are a fantastic addition to marinades for meats, fish, and vegetables, infusing them with a unique and complex flavor. Crushed pods work well in wet marinades, where their smoky and resinous fragrance can penetrate the food, giving it a delicious and fragrant taste. The pods' earthy and warm notes pair perfectly with meats like lamb or beef, while its smokiness goes well with grilled fish or vegetables. ELEVATES YOUR COOKING: Black cardamom pods can take your cooking to the next level, adding depth and complexity to your dishes. The pods' earthy and smoky notes can transform any recipe into a gourmet creation, leaving your guests impressed and wondering about your secret ingredient. From roasts to rice dishes, black cardamom pods are a versatile ingredient that can add a touch of elegance to any meal. Try using them in your next recipe to experience their full flavor potential. ADDS DEPTH TO CURRIES: Black cardamom pods are a popular ingredient in Indian curries, where their smoky and earthy flavor complements the complex blend of spices. They work well in meat and vegetable curries, such as Lamb Rogan Josh or Potato and Cauliflower Curry. The pods can be used whole or crushed to add a deep, rich flavor to the dish. Try using black cardamom pods in your next curry recipe for an added depth of flavor that will elevate the dish to the next level. smoky, resinous fragrance that is instantly recognizable. The pods' scent is released when they are crushed, ground, or heated, infusing your cooking with a delightful and heady fragrance. The intense aroma of black cardamom pods is an essential element in many cuisines, such as Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese, where it adds a distinctive smoky note to meat dishes and curries. AUTHENTIC FLAVOR: Our black cardamom pods are sourced from the finest farms in Vietnam, where they are grown in the ideal climatic conditions to bring out their unique flavor. The pods are carefully harvested and dried to retain their natural aroma and taste, ensuring that you get the best quality product. The distinct smoky and earthy flavor of our black cardamom pods will transform your recipes, adding depth and complexity that will tantalize your taste buds.GTIN: 804589949671. Best Sellers Rank: See Top 100 in Grocery & Gourmet Food. Specialty: 100 Natural. Unit Count: 1.00 Count. Item Form: Whole Pods. Variety: Cardamom,Ginger. Brand: Bounty Foods. : B0BR57SHJZ. Manufacturer: Bounty Foods. UPC: 804589949671. Package Dimensions: 7.99 x 5.04 x 2.09 inches; 3.84 Ounces.